Sen. Daniel K. Inouye dies at age 88 of respiratory illness

This file photo shows U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye (D) during a visit to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on February 20, 2012.

Daniel K. Inouye died today of a respiratory ailment at a Bethesda, Md., hospital, ending a life of remarkable service for his country and Hawaii that included sacrificing his right arm in World War II combat and spending 50 years as a U.S. senator. He was 88.

The senator succumbed to respiratory complications at 5:01 p.m. Eastern time at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he had been hospitalized since Dec. 9. Inouye was first brought to George Washington University Hospital on Dec. 6 after fainting in a Senate office. He was transferred to Walter Reed three days later.

A statement from his office said that his wife Irene Hirano Inouye and his son Ken were at his side and that last rites were performed by Senate Chaplain Dr. Barry Black.

When he was asked recently how he wanted to be remembered, he said, "I represented the people of Hawaii and this nation honestly and to the best of my ability. I think I did OK," according to the statement.

His last words were, "Aloha."

"Senator Inouye's family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for the extraordinary care he received," the statement said.

Reaction to his death came swiftly from across the state and the nation.

”This keiki o ka aina, this child of Hawaii, has left us with a legacy I suspect we will never see again.” an emotional Gov. Neil Abercrombie said this afternoon.

Dante Carpenter, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, "Our hearts are just full of grief, collectively as well as individually."

“We will all miss him, and that’s a gross understatement.” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., becoming emotional on the floor of the Senate. “No one’s been a better American than Sen. Inouye,” he said.

Inouye leaves an unparalleled legacy in Hawaii history — including Medal of Honor winner, nine-term U.S. senator, and key figure in the Senate investigations of both the Watergate and Iran-Contra scandals. As the longest-serving member of the Senate, the Hawaii Democrat was president pro tempore — third in line to the presidency.

His death is a huge loss for Hawaii which has come to rely on his decades of unwavering advocacy for the islands and his ability to direct billions of dollars in federal money to his home state. It was often said, only half-jokingly, that Hawaii had three major industries: tourism, the military, and Sen. Dan Inouye.

"He's long been known as a fierce protector of home-state interests," Christopher Deering, a political science professor at George Washington University in Washington, said before Inouye's death. "He's also been a highly respected inside player."

Daniel Ken Inouye was born in Honolulu on Sept. 7, 1924, to Japanese-American parents Hyotaro, a jewelry clerk, and Kame, a homemaker. He was named after biblical prophet Daniel and the Rev. Daniel Klinefelter, a Methodist minister who helped raised the orphaned Kame. Inouye's parents met at church and always preached family honor and discipline, a blend of Japanese tradition and Methodist sensibility. Inouye was the eldest of four siblings — sister May and brothers John and Robert — who grew up in Moiilili and McCully.

Although the family was poor and Inouye said he did not wear shoes regularly until he attended McKinley High School, he once wrote of his family ethos, "there was a fanatic conviction that opportunity awaited those who had the heart and strength to pursue it."

For many of his generation, the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor forever changed the trajectory of his life. Inouye had wanted to be a doctor and had taken a first-aid course from the American Red Cross, but once President Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed in 1943 to let nisei volunteer for the war, Inouye volunteered for the Army and was assigned to what was to become one of the most decorated military units in history, the segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

Inouye, a sergeant when the 442nd landed in Europe, was promoted to first lieutenant as the nisei unit moved through Italy, then France, then back to Italy in the waning days of the war.

In northern Italy in April 1945 as the war in Europe was coming to an end, Inouye moved his platoon against German troops near San Terenzo. Inouye crawled up a slope and tossed two hand grenades into a German machine-gun nest. He stood up with his tommy gun and raked a second machine-gun nest before being shot in the stomach. But he kept charging until his right arm was hit by an enemy rifle grenade and shattered.

"I looked at it, stunned and disbelieving. It dangled there by a few bloody shreds of tissue, my grenade still clenched in a fist that suddenly didn't belong to me anymore," Inouye wrote in his 1967 autobiography, "Journey to Washington," written with Lawrence Elliott.

Inouye wrote that he pried the grenade out of his right hand and threw it at the German gunman, who was killed by the explosion. He continued firing his gun until he was shot in the right leg and knocked down the hillside. Badly wounded, he ordered his men to keep attacking and they took the ridge from the enemy.

He was discharged as a captain and nominated for the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award, but instead received the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster to go along with a Bronze Star. President Bill Clinton belatedly recognized Inouye and 21 other Asian-American veterans in 2000 with the Medal of Honor.

Inouye had multiple operations to treat his wounds and spent nearly two years in rehabilitation on the mainland to learn how to function without his right arm. He was fitted for a prosthetic arm, but it never felt comfortable so he stopped using it.

On his return to Hawaii, his dreams of a medical career over, Inouye enrolled in pre-law classes at UH under the GI Bill with an eye toward politics. He met Margaret Shinobu Awamura, a UH speech instructor, and on their second date asked her to marry him. After UH, Inouye went to law school at George Washington University.

Inouye returned to Hawaii and became a disciple of Democrat John Burns, a former Honolulu police captain who stood up for the rights of Japanese-Americans during the war. Burns, who would later become governor, was an advocate for workers and civil rights and saw the political value of linking the union movement with the struggles of emerging Japanese-Americans. It was Burns who urged Inouye to run for the Territorial House in 1954.

Inouye won and the Democratic takeover of the Legislature in 1954 became a pivotal moment in Hawaii history, leading to more than a half-century of nearly unbroken party rule. He was elected to the Territorial Senate in 1958, and Hawaii became the 50th state a year later. Inouye then ran and won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In 1962 at age 38, he handily defeated Benjamin Dillingham, a Republican from one of the state's most prominent families, to become a U.S. senator.

Inouye had close ties with Lyndon B. Johnson, and when the Texas Democrat became president in 1963 after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the two were allies on the major issues of the day, most notably supporting the war in Vietnam and Johnson's "Great Society" fight against poverty and racial injustice.

At the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Inouye gave the convention's keynote address. He recognized the racial and social upheaval in the inner cities and the anger of the anti-war movement but warned against the temptation to cut down establishment institutions.

"This is my country," he said. "Many of us have fought hard to say that. Many are struggling today from Harlem to Da Nang that they may say it with conviction."

In the early 1970s as the Watergate scandal engulfed the Nixon administration, Inouye's reputation for integrity earned him a key role on the Senate committee investigating the burglary of the Democratic National Committee headquarters and its aftermath — a morass that would eventually lead to the resignation of Richard Nixon in 1974.

Of that time, Inouye said, "Watergate is not a partisan tragedy. It is a national tragedy."

More than a decade later, Inouye was called upon again to serve on a Senate committee, this time as chairman, as it investigated the Iran-Contra affair, a scheme by the Reagan administration to trade arms for American hostages in Iran and use some of the proceeds from arms sales to help finance a Contra rebellion against the socialist Sandinista government in Nicaragua. The senator conducted the probe with grace and uncovered some damaging revelations, but the trail never quite reached President Ronald Reagan and the public's verdict was much more indifferent than it was after Watergate.

Inouye's closest re-election challenge came in 1992 when his Republican opponent, state Sen. Rick Reed of Maui, obtained a tape recording of Inouye's longtime hairstylist, Lenore Kwock, claiming Inouye had pressured her into sex in 1975 and later sexually harassed her. Reed was criticized — by Kwock and the leaders of his own party — for going public with the steamy allegations in campaign advertisements. Inouye denied the claims and won re-election with 54 percent of the vote, the lowest victory margin of his career.

Throughout his half-century in the Senate, Inouye's ability to bring federal money back to his home state is indisputable. Inouye was a voice for sugar, pineapple and shipping, for highways, airports and harbors, for the East-West Center, for UH and for the military. He worked to help make Hawaii the most important strategic location for the military in the Pacific, and the military became, along with tourism, the foundation of the state's economy. Serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Inouye was able to deliver federal money no matter which political party controlled Congress or the White House.

He also used his influence to change federal policy to benefit Hawaii, promote civil rights and preserve native cultures.

Inouye helped get an exemption to federal health and pension law so Hawaii could have the landmark Prepaid Health Care Act of 1974, which requires companies to provide health insurance to employees who work more than 20 hours a week. The senator won an exemption from federal environmental law that allowed construction to go forward on H-3, the interstate that linked Honolulu and Windward Oahu. The senator urged the Navy to transfer the historic battleship USS Missouri for a memorial at Pearl Harbor.

Inouye also helped set in motion the process that eventually led President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to issue an apology and provide $20,000 each to the survivors of Japanese internment during World War II, an injustice that gnawed at Inouye since he was a young GI.

Working with fellow Hawaii Democrat U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, Inouye helped win historic passage of a resolution signed by President Clinton in 1993 formally apologizing for the U.S. government's role in the 1893 overthrow of the kingdom of Hawaii.

Inouye's beloved wife, Maggie, died at age 81 in March 2006. The Inouyes, with their son, Ken, had always been protective of their family life and their home in Bethesda, Md. But the senator talked frankly about the loss of his wife. "She was my inspiration, and all that I have accomplished could not have been done without her at my side," he said. "We were a team."

Inouye is survived by wife Irene, the former president and chief executive of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, whom he married in May 2008, son Ken, daughter-in-law Jessica, granddaughter Maggie and step-daughter Jennifer Hirano. He was preceded in death his first wife, Maggie Awamura.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the TERMS OF SERVICE. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. Because only subscribers are allowed to comment, we have your personal information and are able to contact you. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, email commentfeedback@staradvertiser.com.

Leave a comment

Name:

Comment:

Please login to leave a comment.

oxtail01wrote:

This comment has been deleted.

on December 17,2012 | 11:48AM

Name:

Comment:

kainaluwrote:

Amen!

on December 17,2012 | 12:08PM

Name:

Comment:

Anonymouswrote:

Rest in Peace, Senator Inouye! but this is the worst case scenario for the State of Hawaii, as we lose all that accumulated clout and political influence with the Senators passing. Now comes the battle to replace Senator Inouye, my bet is on Ed Case to be selected, as he has the experience to do the job in Washington, but then you have Hanneman waiting in the wings as another party democrat choice............this just might get ugly before it gets solved.........hehe!

on December 17,2012 | 12:19PM

Name:

Comment:

revintampawrote:

You certainly have that right friend. Is Hirano going to be able to bring home the dollars to Hawaii?? I doubt it. I am hoping that Lingle will give it another try or maybe Charles Djou. The political intrigue and drama continues. I hope the Rail proponents got all the federal money they needed while the good senator was still with us.
I didn't see Senator Inouye's passing coming. I thought his stay in the hospital was going to be temporary and that he'd be back in action for the new year. May God bring comfort to his family and friends.

on December 17,2012 | 12:53PM

Name:

Comment:

alliewrote:

so true..end of an era for hawaii

on December 17,2012 | 01:59PM

Name:

Comment:

alliewrote:

What a shock! God bless you Dan Inouye!

on December 17,2012 | 12:41PM

Name:

Comment:

fishwriderwrote:

A Great American not matter what side of the aisle you sit on. RIP.

on December 17,2012 | 01:37PM

Name:

Comment:

pakepaliwrote:

RIP Senator Inouye

on December 17,2012 | 11:49AM

Name:

Comment:

1localwrote:

good thing Hawaii has Mazie, Hanabusa, and Gabbard in Washington. Hopefully they have what it takes to keep the federal money coming to Hawaii. Hopefully Pearl harbor stays open...

on December 17,2012 | 12:31PM

Name:

Comment:

alliewrote:

They have zero clout. It will be dacades before Mazie has anywhere near the clout Dan has

on December 17,2012 | 12:42PM

Name:

Comment:

revintampawrote:

I think Mazie is more in the mold of Akaka than Inouye. I don't see her being very effective. She is just a rubber stamp.

on December 17,2012 | 12:54PM

Name:

Comment:

alliewrote:

true but rubba stamp for whom?

on December 17,2012 | 02:00PM

Name:

Comment:

aomohoawrote:

I agree with you allie. They are hard to compare to such a great man. Give them time. We have only hope they can be as deserving of the positions they hold.

on December 17,2012 | 02:12PM

Name:

Comment:

HD36wrote:

Hawaii's easy money is gone.

on December 17,2012 | 06:23PM

Name:

Comment:

kaupenawrote:

Who is Mazie, Hanabusa, and Gabbard???

on December 17,2012 | 01:24PM

Name:

Comment:

fishwriderwrote:

No one in the history of the Senate besides Sen. Stevens from Alaska did it better. Hawaii will lose millions.

on December 17,2012 | 01:43PM

Name:

Comment:

seriouswrote:

And what he do with the Jones Act? You see where his support came from.

on December 17,2012 | 02:53PM

Name:

Comment:

RetiredWorkingwrote:

More like billions in the long run, fishwrider. Sad to see him go. Aloha, Dan.

on December 17,2012 | 09:03PM

Name:

Comment:

TheKagawaswrote:

Condolences to all his family and friends!

on December 17,2012 | 11:50AM

Name:

Comment:

tiki886wrote:

God bless Sen. Inouye.

on December 17,2012 | 11:51AM

Name:

Comment:

Descartes22wrote:

This comment has been deleted.

on December 17,2012 | 11:55AM

Name:

Comment:

alliewrote:

amen

on December 17,2012 | 02:00PM

Name:

Comment:

HD36wrote:

That's a fact.

on December 17,2012 | 06:24PM

Name:

Comment:

ladyimariwrote:

Rest in peace, Senator Inouye. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

on December 17,2012 | 11:55AM

Name:

Comment:

aomohoawrote:

RIP Senator. You lived a life of service:)

on December 17,2012 | 11:57AM

Name:

Comment:

revintampawrote:

Amen

on December 17,2012 | 12:54PM

Name:

Comment:

8082062424wrote:

My thoughts and prayers are with his family. great loss for Hawaii and this nation

on December 17,2012 | 11:57AM

Name:

Comment:

from_da_cheapseatswrote:

Bummer. Thanks, and RIP

on December 17,2012 | 12:00PM

Name:

Comment:

NanakuliBosswrote:

The Dan K.Inouye Transit System!! Generations will know this great man. Visitor will learn of him at the Honolulu Airport Station dedicated with his accomplishments!

on December 17,2012 | 02:37PM

Name:

Comment:

Publicbraddahwrote:

America and Hawaii has lost a great man who gave his entire life to his country and home state. Condolences to his family.

on December 17,2012 | 12:05PM

Name:

Comment:

zhawaiiwrote:

Rest in Peace. Daniel Inouye was, perhaps the most influential person EVER for the State of Hawaii. This is a huge loss for the State. Let's hope his hardwork and accomplishments do not get lost with his passing.

on December 17,2012 | 12:09PM

Name:

Comment:

lindaprettymanwrote:

Rest In Peace Senator Inouye. My heart if full for your family and friends.

on December 17,2012 | 12:09PM

Name:

Comment:

honolulugalwrote:

I'm so sorry. I'm in tears right now.

on December 17,2012 | 12:09PM

Name:

Comment:

NanakuliBosswrote:

Aloha Senator Inouye. You are truly Hawaii's Son.

on December 17,2012 | 12:11PM

Name:

Comment:

alliewrote:

We depended so much on him! I am so sorry

on December 17,2012 | 12:43PM

Name:

Comment:

olos73wrote:

ALOHA Senator Inouye. Yes, an American HERO to the end. A hui hou...

on December 17,2012 | 12:11PM

Name:

Comment:

AKULEMANwrote:

Nobody leaves forever; RIP Mr. Inouye.

on December 17,2012 | 12:14PM

Name:

Comment:

Janettewrote:

What a great man he did so good for everyone

on December 17,2012 | 12:14PM

Name:

Comment:

ohelowrote:

Mahalo nui loa, bruda!

on December 17,2012 | 12:15PM

Name:

Comment:

ichibanwrote:

Aloha and Godspeed.

on December 17,2012 | 12:16PM

Name:

Comment:

Highinthesierraswrote:

Hawaii has lost more than anyone can ever make up. He brought so much pride and money to us - there will never be another King of Pork.

on December 17,2012 | 12:17PM

Name:

Comment:

dyw001wrote:

Aloha and rest in peace, Senator! Thank you for everything that you've done for the state.
Why do I sense that Case and Lingle are salivating right now?

on December 17,2012 | 12:18PM

Name:

Comment:

mitt_grundwrote:

The Teflon Princess Lingle, the everlasting Ed Case, and the gestapo-colored Mufi must be inwardly all jumping for joy. Who knows? Djou may be able to troop out his 6-month stint and uniform again. But first, they must all do their thing before the news cameras to pay their "respects" to Inouye for appearance's sake. Especially Lingle who maintained she would help him in Washington, D.C., because they were so close. ........
Requiescat in Pacem, Dan. You have earned your rest.

on December 17,2012 | 02:09PM

Name:

Comment:

808behappywrote:

Gov Abracombie chooses who will fill in Sen Inouye's seat. Great loss for Hawaii, great man!

on December 17,2012 | 03:23PM

Name:

Comment:

loiowrote:

great man

on December 17,2012 | 12:19PM

Name:

Comment:

geeknewswrote:

The loss to Hawaii is significant. With the governor now having to appoint a replacement we will have two freshman senators the impact to Hawaii is going to be incredible.

on December 17,2012 | 12:20PM

Name:

Comment:

Surfer_Dudewrote:

Yeah......from number one seniority to numbers 99 and 100.

on December 17,2012 | 12:24PM

Name:

Comment:

b_ryanwrote:

Such a loss!
Mahalo and aloha Senator

on December 17,2012 | 12:21PM

Name:

Comment:

Venus1wrote:

Now he belongs to the AGES...what a legacy!!!!

on December 17,2012 | 12:22PM

Name:

Comment:

falsewrote:

Senator Inouye, you did us proud. You did well. Aloha, amama ua noa.

on December 17,2012 | 12:25PM

Name:

Comment:

HawaiiCheeseBallwrote:

Aloha Senator Inouye. Mahalo for your decades of service to our great country.

on December 17,2012 | 12:26PM

Name:

Comment:

princessleiyawrote:

Rest in peace, Senator Inouye. For many of us, you have been the only senator we grew up with all of our lives. Thank you for all you have done and for your service. Aloha.

on December 17,2012 | 12:28PM

Name:

Comment:

Iukiwrote:

Senator Inouye's passing is a great loss to Hawaii. Aloha and mahalo, Senator.

on December 17,2012 | 12:28PM

Name:

Comment:

DaMenace168wrote:

Rest In Peace, Senator Inouye. MAHALO for your hard work for Hawaii!!!
My only concern is now Gov. Abercrombie now gets to appoint his replacement. Not sure if the law allows Gov. Abercrombie to take the seat himself.

on December 17,2012 | 12:29PM

Name:

Comment:

kdswrote:

Thank you for your service and Rest in Peace, Senator Inouye. Hawaii and this country is in your debt. God Bless you and your family. As for his replacement, how about Colleen Hanabusa? And then have a special election for her replacement in the House? Ed is not in favor and I can't see the Party nominating someone like Hanneman who has recently been so thoroughly rejected by the Hawaii people.

This is a huge loss for Hawaii and the country. There are some mighty big shoes to fill with his passing, as he leaves behind a legacy of respect (regardless of party affiliation), service, and dedication virtually impossible to duplicate.
A motion needs to be set in place immediately to name the next aircraft carrier after him, this would the least this country can do to honor his life and loyalty to the country he has served for over 65 years. USS Daniel K. inouye...

on December 17,2012 | 12:33PM

Name:

Comment:

hanaboywrote:

Rest in Peace, Senator! Thank you for all you have done for Hawaii, and the Nation. You will surely be a hard act to follow.

on December 17,2012 | 12:33PM

Name:

Comment:

falsewrote:

We, Hawaii have lost a great man. It will be a long time coming before we will have someone who has accomplish so much represent Hawaii again. Our prayers are with the Senators family. Aloha to you Senator.

on December 17,2012 | 12:40PM

Name:

Comment:

kk808wrote:

Amen!

on December 17,2012 | 01:45PM

Name:

Comment:

Seawalkerwrote:

Can we all say it with a straight face... Sen. Cayetano or Sen. Case !?!?!

on December 17,2012 | 12:41PM

Name:

Comment:

Bdpapawrote:

Not even in jest!

on December 17,2012 | 01:25PM

Name:

Comment:

Waterman2wrote:

Oh Please ! No No No......well maybe Case.

on December 17,2012 | 02:14PM

Name:

Comment:

808behappywrote:

Hell no, no Cayetano. Case maybe

on December 17,2012 | 03:24PM

Name:

Comment:

Bumbywrote:

Thank you for your fine service to the U.S. and Hawaii. Aloha and our condolence to his son, wife and family.

on December 17,2012 | 12:41PM

Name:

Comment:

WKAkinawrote:

We mourn the loss of a great man.

on December 17,2012 | 12:47PM

Name:

Comment:

LanaUlulaniwrote:

How sad. He waged war against Hawaiians thus against Hawaiian children. My aloha to him and his family still. I am stunned. RIP Senator Inouye.

on December 17,2012 | 12:49PM

Name:

Comment:

Eradicationwrote:

Hamau. Such a pilau statement and an embarrassment to all decent Kanaka Maoli. Be civil and respectful towards kupuna, He is someone's ancestor now. Why do you disrespect this man is such a way.

on December 17,2012 | 02:26PM

Name:

Comment:

LanaUlulaniwrote:

Senator Inouye waged war against Hawaiians thus on Hawaiian children. He also SEXUALLY HARASSED innocent women and got away with it.

IUnlike YOU, I am not an ENABLER of his pilau. Keep your PREACHING to yourself. Mahalo. RIP Senator Inouye. May God have mercy on your soul for inflicting SO MUCH PAIN on so many INNOCENT people here on earth.

on December 17,2012 | 06:36PM

Name:

Comment:

Eradicationwrote:

Go back and kukakuka with your kupuna and re-learn the meaning of pono. You are disgracing yourself and na kanaka maoli with your pilau ha. While no one in the position of leadership is beyond reproach it is important to remember that this man was an honorable person. History will remember him as the most influential man in modern Hawaii. I was not a big supporter, politically either but I respected his overall record of success. You want to throw rocks at his grave then fine but remember there were great people within our own culture that created great hewa upon our own people and never has been resolved. Your hate has blinded your ability to be objective. While you invoke the mercy of your god you display the actions that are quite the opposite.

on December 17,2012 | 09:50PM

Name:

Comment:

HK888wrote:

Hawaii has lost its No.1 supporter; he is irreplaceable.
Who will be filling in for Sen. Inouye?
Certainly, not hot-tempered bellicose Mufi- horrors!!
No, no, no!

on December 17,2012 | 12:51PM

Name:

Comment:

Toyukiwrote:

Thank you, thank you for all you have done for our Hawaii nei. What a loss for our country and our Hawaii.
We will miss you dearly. God Bless the Inouye Ohana. The Native American's, Military in Hawaii, Jobs at Pearl Harbor, Rail . . . many projects and more than we will ever know were protected by his expertise in Washington DC. He made sure Hawaii had federal monies . . . Mahalo for working tirelessly for all of us here on the islands; ever citizen here benefitted from his being in DC.

on December 17,2012 | 12:51PM

Name:

Comment:

Anonymouswrote:

Aloha and Rest in Peace Senator!
We will not see your like again for many years. Thank you for everything you have done for all of us.

on December 17,2012 | 12:53PM

Name:

Comment:

inuuluwrote:

I hate to say it but the best option to take Sen. Inouye's place is Neal. As much as I can't stand him as a Governor, he has seniority with his time in Congress. We are now on the bottom of the seniority list. Could always count on Uncle Dan to deliver the goods. Aloha no Sen. Inouye.

on December 17,2012 | 12:53PM

Name:

Comment:

808behappywrote:

you are so right Neal would be the best replacement,

on December 17,2012 | 03:26PM

Name:

Comment:

steveoctoberwrote:

There's no way Neal is going to be it. That would cause two major position shakeups and Hawaii can't handle that - and more importantly, Neal is only on his first term. My bet is someone experienced but not a pawn of doing political favor. I would even say Akaka might be it, the most logical choice as he's already there and would do a musical chair come January. He'll do the remainder of term then readily step down. If not him, perhaps Ariyoshi.

on December 17,2012 | 04:08PM

Name:

Comment:

NickJordwrote:

God bless Senator Inouye and his family during this time. Thank you for all of your sacrifices for Hawaii and our country

on December 17,2012 | 12:55PM

Name:

Comment:

pakeheatwrote:

I was fortunate to shake his hand when he visited our company back in 72, a very nice person. RIP Senator, God Bless

on December 17,2012 | 12:56PM

Name:

Comment:

RetiredWorkingwrote:

We were in the same restaurant. Inouye and Caldwell took a picture with us. I have it on my desk @ work.

on December 17,2012 | 09:08PM

Name:

Comment:

Mythmanwrote:

God runs Hawaii, not Dan Inouye - Praise His Holy Name

on December 17,2012 | 12:58PM

Name:

Comment:

Eradicationwrote:

You disrespect your god and Senator Inouye with your comment.

on December 17,2012 | 02:28PM

Name:

Comment:

aomohoawrote:

? Do you live in this world?

on December 17,2012 | 03:48PM

Name:

Comment:

RetiredWorkingwrote:

Mythman, foot in mouth again.

on December 17,2012 | 09:09PM

Name:

Comment:

Puma711wrote:

What a blessing Senator Inouye has been to Hawaii. I am saddened in his passing. What a great American,and activist for Hawaii. He will be missed.

on December 17,2012 | 01:04PM

Name:

Comment:

Kaluuwrote:

He was one of those who made me proud of Hawaii. He was an honorable, decent, honest man who rose far, far above the racial backbiting that goes on in Hawaii. Yes, he certainly was a hero--and not just in combat.

on December 17,2012 | 01:09PM

Name:

Comment:

nomakeshamewrote:

I met Sen. Inouye back in 1990 when he and other Senators visited Bitburg AB in Germany. He was a quiet and humble person, but yet he had a commanding presence. He will be missed.

on December 17,2012 | 01:09PM

Name:

Comment:

akuman808wrote:

Mahalo Nui Loa Senator Inouye;a legacy that has no equal.

on December 17,2012 | 01:11PM

Name:

Comment:

eastside808wrote:

God Bless you Senator Inouye. Thank you for your Aloha and vigilance in protecting the aina and the people of Hawaii for all these years. You will be sorely missed by all.

on December 17,2012 | 01:22PM

Name:

Comment:

BTOwrote:

Not only one of the most influential Hawaiians, but one of the most influential Americans ever to grace civil service. War Hero, Community Advocate, Minority Advocate, State of Hawaii Advocate, truly a shocking and sad day for Hawaii. Our prayers go out to the family, relatives, colleagues, and team.

on December 17,2012 | 01:22PM

Name:

Comment:

Bdpapawrote:

This is truly a loss for Hawaii and America.

on December 17,2012 | 01:27PM

Name:

Comment:

alliewrote:

end of an era..hawaii is on its own

on December 17,2012 | 02:01PM

Name:

Comment:

al_kiqaedawrote:

Mahalo Senator Daniel K. Inouye!

on December 17,2012 | 01:28PM

Name:

Comment:

Maneki_Nekowrote:

Rest in peace. He probably did more for Hawaii than any other person. Big changes ahead. We'll remember him.

on December 17,2012 | 01:28PM

Name:

Comment:

entrknwrote:

I salute this great American soldier, patriot, civil servant, and hero... you have done well and I bid you the most profound and heartfelt Aloha!

on December 17,2012 | 01:31PM

Name:

Comment:

romeiwrote:

Rest in peace and god bless!!

on December 17,2012 | 01:34PM

Name:

Comment:

suhimika3126wrote:

Mahalo nui loa for your great service to the people of Hawaii. I have been lucky enough to have seen Senator Inouye from time to time and although he did not really know me, he always gave me that strong handshake and warm greetings. Rest in peace, Senator Inouye ......you have worked hard for the people of Hawaii!!!

on December 17,2012 | 01:36PM

Name:

Comment:

frontmanwrote:

50 years as a U.S. senator............This is what is wrong with the senate today. One down.

on December 17,2012 | 01:37PM

Name:

Comment:

NanakuliBosswrote:

The me generation speaks.

on December 17,2012 | 02:01PM

Name:

Comment:

aomohoawrote:

I pity you frontman. Know the man before you speak such words. His last word was Aloha.
I would be surprise if someone with your attitude will ever be missed as much as this man filled with Aloha will.

on December 17,2012 | 02:16PM

Name:

Comment:

Eradicationwrote:

You, sir is what's wrong with this country.

on December 17,2012 | 02:30PM

Name:

Comment:

cojefwrote:

Yes, although I am not a democrat, still can respect this great American Hero. He served his country when it needed him in WWIi, then upon returning, dedicated his remaining years in public service. He is loved Hawaii and did his best to promote his birthplace. What can you ask of this man. He delivered! Condolences to his family. Sad day for Hawaii.

on December 18,2012 | 06:03AM

Name:

Comment:

Hapa_Haole_Boywrote:

RIP Senator Inouye. Thank you for all you did for the state of Hawaii.

on December 17,2012 | 01:47PM

Name:

Comment:

bboopswrote:

What a loss for Hawaii. We will have a harder time securing money for our islands!!

on December 17,2012 | 01:52PM

Name:

Comment:

HD36wrote:

Not only that, but the money we do secure will be able to purchase alot less.

on December 17,2012 | 03:13PM

Name:

Comment:

maunawili1wrote:

the word "hero" is tossed around all too much, but in every sense of that word , this Man was a Hero!

on December 17,2012 | 01:52PM

Name:

Comment:

maunawili1wrote:

BTW.... Watch Abercrombie step down as Gov and then have Schatz appoint him to senate

on December 17,2012 | 01:54PM

Name:

Comment:

tinapawrote:

Aloha and mahalo Senator for all the wonderful things you did for Hawaii....

on December 17,2012 | 01:59PM

Name:

Comment:

sluggahwrote:

Sad, yet not a huge surprise when senators are allowed to serve unlimited terms. He was a very intelligent man who always did his best for Hawaii. I'm afraid that Hawaii's "senior" senator will be way, way out of her depth without Uncle Dan to tell her what's up. Maizie is no Dan, as her debates with Lingle proved. Case would be a good choice, but he bucked the machine. Mufi would fill the term, but he's a liability for re-election. Ben's a one issue guy with the issue at odds with the machine. Caldwell maybe?

on December 17,2012 | 02:01PM

Name:

Comment:

Waterman2wrote:

One hell of a guy. I might have fought your castle for the last 20 years, but gotta love your fairness and gut God Bless you. Aloha, Aloha, Aloha

on December 17,2012 | 02:09PM

Name:

Comment:

residenttaxpayerwrote:

Rest in peace Senator Inouye...thank you for your service to our country as a veteran and lawmaker.

on December 17,2012 | 02:10PM

Name:

Comment:

Eradicationwrote:

A great man who I did not always agree with politically. I respect him because he was one of this countrys' great heroes (MOH recipient) and dedicated servant to this country. My prayers go out to his family at this time of great loss for peace and comfort. A grateful nation will no doubt pay a much deserved tribute to this great man. The people of Hawaii owe this man so much for what he has accomplished for this state. Rest in peace Senator. Well deserved. Mahalo nui loa.

on December 17,2012 | 02:20PM

Name:

Comment:

BigOpuwrote:

It kind of became habbit to check his name on the ballot every time it appeared. What he did behind the scenes to bring money and jobs to this state can't be measured. It will be a long time before any Senator from HI will be able to match his accomplishments and influence in Washington. Mahalo Dan for looking out for us guys way out in the Pacific!

on December 17,2012 | 02:21PM

Name:

Comment:

aomohoawrote:

We would all be as fortunate to live to 88, have such integrity and have been cared about and respected by so many.

on December 17,2012 | 02:40PM

Name:

Comment:

RottweilerManwrote:

My heart and prayers go out to the late Senator Dan Inouye and his family. Hawaii has lost a great statesman and hero.

on December 17,2012 | 02:46PM

Name:

Comment:

seriouswrote:

Now, Magic Island rather than call it Obama Island--I think Dan Inouye would be an appropriate name!!!

on December 17,2012 | 02:55PM

Name:

Comment:

aomohoawrote:

He was a humble man that did not want things and places named after him.

on December 17,2012 | 06:10PM

Name:

Comment:

RetiredUSMCwrote:

Godspeed Sir! We Love you!

on December 17,2012 | 02:55PM

Name:

Comment:

niimiwrote:

Hawaii's economy had better prepare to go Vegan in the long run. All that pull for pork is now gone. Poof! Those powerful Senators who have friends in the Navy in San Diego or Norfolk are licking their chops. They want all those Defense dollars coming their way. Hawaii has junior folks in office now. we have to hope that Tulsi can have a 50 year career across both houses of Congress. We need another young, ambitious Congressional leader so that we can build up a long tenure again.

on December 17,2012 | 03:37PM

Name:

Comment:

702WarriorFanwrote:

Aloha Senator Inouye, you deserve the rest, Rest in Peace!

on December 17,2012 | 03:52PM

Name:

Comment:

Changalangwrote:

Ex-State Senate President Hanabusa and Big John are very well equipped and informed to serve Hawaii's interests in the manner conducive to Dan's style. It was no secret that he went to Colleen first for Akaka's seat, so as to mold her into the U.S. Senate. She is up to the standard of the office from Hawaii's bench. However, she and Mazie start from scratch without Dan and his omnipotent staffers to keep OUR interests in D.C. beyond reproach from competing power players in the Senate. Neil now has the Quon. His appointment choice will determine if establishment or dissident will represent Hawaii in the next generation. One strategy worth considering is to get Hawaii to cut back in ahead of the line of Senate freshman. Neil can appoint a skilled individual that has very close ties to Obama/Reid from years of proven loyalty. Will Hawaii be stronger starting from scratch, or with a little help from those who matter most now? I trust Gov. Abs assessment fully. Either path has its benefits for Hawaii. Lemonade from lemons. R.I.P. Emperor Inouye; we tremble today in fear without you. HI walks alone in D.C. now with one fifth of our local economy going to the way side. No single person did more for the people of Hawaii.

on December 17,2012 | 03:54PM

Name:

Comment:

kameleokalani44wrote:

I was shocked to see the announcement of Daniel Inouye passing. But then why was I surprised when it was known he was in the hospital. I have always admired him and his "brother" Sen Akaka as they stayed true to their morals and principals. Now with the loss of both of them from the Capital, I think Hawaii as a state will have a very hard road ahead. God bless you, Honorable Senator Daniel Inouye.

on December 17,2012 | 03:54PM

Name:

Comment:

buwanajackwrote:

This is the end of an era for Hawaii and the Nation. We have lost a great person who will always be remembered by me and how he stood up for Hawaii and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard making sure we were not part of the Brac closure during the cut back on military installations. Senator Inouye was always a strong supporter of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, I'm not sure what will happen now but my condolences go out to his family may he rest in peace.

on December 17,2012 | 04:01PM

Name:

Comment:

Watergate_Mikewrote:

A man of courage and honor who earned the respect not only of Hawai'i but of all the USA. RIP to an American hero who lived it in so many ways.

on December 17,2012 | 04:03PM

Name:

Comment:

Tanabewrote:

I read about his passing 3 hours ago and I'm still in shock. I knew he was sick but didn't think it was that bad. This is a huge blow to Hawaii and the nation. Thank you Senator for all your years of hard work and dedication. You will be missed.

on December 17,2012 | 04:13PM

Name:

Comment:

HonoluluHawaiiwrote:

They say that with momentous events in life, one remembers exactly what they were doing. At this newsbreak, I was in Times of the Aiea Shopping Center, wiring funds to Mumbai, India. I have the receipt to prove it, and it was 12-17-21, 15:07. Maybe this was the 12-21-12 event.

on December 17,2012 | 04:44PM

Name:

Comment:

64hoowrote:

lets see if they bury him at puncbowl with his other 442 commrades or because being third in line of the presidentcy will his body lie in state. i feel he should be burried at punchbowl.

on December 17,2012 | 06:02PM

Name:

Comment:

ejkorvettewrote:

Rest In Peace.
Much Mahalo and Aloha to a Fine Human Being, Husband, Father, Solider, Senator, Public Servant.
Prayers to the Family.

on December 17,2012 | 06:11PM

Name:

Comment:

Anonymouswrote:

A truly great man from humble beginnings. Thank you for your Service to our country during WWII and as an elected official.
Hawaii will miss you.....Aloha Senator Dan.....
P.S. It was an honor to campaign for you and the late Senator Spark Matsunaga

on December 17,2012 | 07:16PM

Name:

Comment:

808Cindywrote:

Rest in Peace Senator Inouye, and thank you for serving Hawaii so well, You made all of us proud by representing us. We will truely miss you for all that you did for Hawaii. again Thank You, Aloha and Mahalo !